While the concept of "commandos" as we understand them today did not exist in Ancient Greece, several elite military units excelled in special operations, including stealth attacks, sabotage, and ambush tactics. These warriors were highly trained and played crucial roles in numerous battles throughout Greek history.
The Locrian Ophioneis: Masters of Surprise Attacks
The Locrian Ophioneis were renowned for their expertise in guerrilla-style warfare and ambush tactics, particularly in rough terrain. They fought in the Trojan War under Ajax the Lesser and later participated in various military campaigns, using their agility and speed to gain an advantage over their enemies.
The Sacred Band of Thebes: A Formidable Elite Unit
One of the most famous elite forces of Ancient Greece was the Sacred Band of Thebes, a highly disciplined unit of 300 handpicked warriors who fought in pairs for maximum coordination and effectiveness. Known for their superior training and close combat skills, they played a decisive role in the Battle of Leuctra (371 BCE), where they dealt a crushing defeat to the mighty Spartan phalanx.
Spartan Special Forces: The Eklektoi and the Skiritai
Sparta, a city-state synonymous with military excellence, had several specialized combat units:
The Eklektoi (Selected Ones) were handpicked soldiers assigned to high-risk missions, including night raids and deep incursions into enemy territory.
The Skiritai (Skiritai Scouts) served as advanced reconnaissance troops, operating ahead of the main Spartan army. Their role closely resembled that of modern-day special forces, as they gathered intelligence and launched surprise attacks on enemy positions.
The Ten Thousand: Greek Mercenaries in Persian Lands
Perhaps one of the most remarkable examples of elite warfare was the Ten Thousand, a group of Greek mercenaries who accompanied Xenophon during the March of the Ten Thousand (401 BCE). These warriors were forced to fight their way out of Persian territory using hit-and-run tactics, ambushes, and strategic retreats, showcasing incredible adaptability and resilience in enemy lands.
The Tarantine Cavalry: Agile and Deadly Horsemen
The Tarantines were highly skilled light cavalry forces specializing in swift hit-and-run attacks. They wielded javelins and bows, allowing them to strike quickly and retreat before the enemy could respond. Unlike heavily armored cavalry, they relied on mobility and precision to harass their foes from a distance.
Athenian Light Infantry and Archers
Athens, known for its naval power, also developed elite light infantry units called peltasts, who specialized in ambush tactics and guerrilla warfare. Additionally, the Athenian archers, often recruited from Skyros and Thrace, played a vital role in providing ranged support during battles.
Ancient Greek Special Forces: The Precursors to Modern Commandos
Although Ancient Greece did not have special forces in the modern sense, these elite warriors performed missions similar to those of today’s commandos—stealth operations, targeted attacks, and high-risk engagements. Whether it was the Spartan Eklektoi, the Theban Sacred Band, the Skiritai scouts, the Tarantine cavalry, or Xenophon’s mercenaries, these warriors shaped military strategy and left a lasting impact on the art of war.
